Ever since you two went from friends to dating, he began putting more effort in learning about anxiety. It controlled your life. He had spent countless nights comforting you, which he had to learn how to do. Also, he was your designated babysitter when the group went on adventures. It was a win-win. His worry for you kept his impulsiveness in check.

You had always been anxious. It seemed like school wasn’t the only factor, you had always been anxious. And your parents were against therapy, so you had never learned how to handle it. Never learned how to prevent the panic attacks.

JJ knew that school was right around the corner. He was aware of the inevitable. It was hard for you to go back to school, even after short breaks. He made sure to spend every day of the last week of vacation with you. The day before school, he stayed over.

After getting ready for bed, he went back into your bedroom, only to find you on the floor. Tears streamed down your face, and you were in a clear struggle to breathe.

“Hey… Hey, princess. I’m here. I know… I know”

“I can’t go back”

“I know. I hear you”